Iroko
Milicia excelsa
Hardness
Medium-hard; a versatile range for most furniture.
Overview
Sold as "African teak" for its decay resistance and similar look, at a lower price than genuine teak.
Commonly built
- Outdoor furniture
- Boat trim
- Flooring
- Countertops
Appearance
Yellow to golden brown when fresh, darkening to medium/dark brown over time.
Recommended uses
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Easy to machine apart from occasional mineral (calcium carbonate) deposits that dull cutters. Interlocked grain can tear out on some boards.
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn iroko panel moves roughly 0.20 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does Iroko move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is Iroko?
Iroko has a Janka hardness of 1260 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Iroko suitable for outdoor use?
Iroko stands up reasonably well outdoors, especially with a protective finish and regular maintenance.
How easy is Iroko to work with?
Iroko has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does Iroko move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn iroko panel moves roughly 0.20 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used iroko, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.